Waterproof Overshoes for Racing: Your Options & Key Differences
Why Use Waterproof Overshoes in Racing?
Racing in the rain or walking around a muddy service area can quickly ruin a good pair of racing boots. Waterproof overshoes are the go-to solution for keeping your feet dry and your race boots clean when the weather turns ugly. These slip-on boot covers shield your shoes from water, mud, and oil, meaning you won’t be squelching around the paddock with soaked socks. By acting as a protective outer layer, overshoes extend the life of your race boots (saving you money in the long run) and ensure you stay comfortable and focused on driving. In short, they’re an essential accessory for any motorsport enthusiast facing wet paddocks, pit lanes, or rally service parks.
Overshoe Options Available at GSM Performance
At GSM Performance, we offer a few popular overshoe options to answer the question, “What are my main choices for waterproof overshoes, and how do they differ?” Below, we break down the features and materials of each product we carry, so you can pick the pair that best fits your needs.
OMP Waterproof Overshoes
OMP Waterproof Overshoes by OMP – slip-on nylon overshoes with an elasticated top and Velcro straps to keep race boots dry and clean. These overshoes from OMP are built with a durable nylon outer fabric and a reinforced soft rubber sole. The nylon is fully waterproof (with heat-welded seams) to block rain and mud, yet it’s lightweight and flexible for comfort. An elasticated upper cuff ensures a snug, slip-resistant fit around your ankle, and dual Velcro straps secure the overshoe in place so it won’t flop around or slip off. The sole is made of a soft natural rubber that provides great grip on wet, slippery surfaces and even decent pedal feel if you need to drive short distances with them.
In practice, the OMP overshoes are perfect for keeping your racing boots dry and mud-free in wet paddocks or pit garages. Slip them on when you hop out of the car, and your expensive race boots stay protected and warm until you’re ready to drive again.
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From £24.50 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Sparco Slip-On Rubber Overshoes
Sparco Slip-On Rubber Overshoes – molded natural rubber galoshes-style covers that stretch over your racing shoes for instant waterproof protection. Sparco’s slip-on overshoes take a simpler approach: they are made entirely of moulded natural rubber. Think of them as high-grip galoshes for racers. The supple rubber material stretches over your racing boots to form a tight seal, preventing any water or mud from getting in. There are no straps or zippers – you just pull them on, and they hug your shoes. The textured rubber sole gives you extra traction on wet or oily ground, so you won’t go skating across the pit floor.
These overshoes are great for quick protection when you’re walking around the pits, grid, or muddy rally service areas. They also keep your boots clean by shielding them from oil spills and grime on the ground. Compared to the OMP covers, Sparco’s rubber overshoes are a bit heavier but extremely durable and 100% waterproof (there’s no fabric to soak through at all). They’re an easy “slip-on and go” solution – ideal if you want something you can hose off after a dirty rally stage and use again next time.
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From £33.00 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Sparco Neoprene Overshoes
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From £33.00 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Other Waterproof Overshoe Options on the Market
While OMP and Sparco are the most common brands for motorsport overshoes (and the ones we stock at GSM Performance), there are a few other options out there worth knowing about. For example, Pitking Products (a UK motorsport accessories specialist) offers the Aquadry waterproof overshoes. These are made from a stretchy silicone material that gives a very close, sealed fit over your shoes, and they feature a zip closure at the top to make them easier to put on. The silicone construction is completely waterproof and the underside has a textured pattern for grip on wet surfaces. Aquadry overshoes are popular in the rally scene for mechanics and drivers who need to wade around in water or mud – they’re essentially like heavy-duty rubber socks with a zipper.
Another option some racers use is repurposed outdoor or motorcycle overshoes, which can be nylon or latex covers designed for cycling or riding in rain. While these aren’t motorsport-specific, they can do in a pinch. However, purpose-built racing overshoes (like the ones above) tend to offer better traction on oil-slick tarmac and a shape that fits over bulky driving boots. They’re also designed to withstand typical track contaminants (fuel, oils) without degrading. There are even specialty over-boot covers in drag racing that are fire-resistant (for example, Stand 21 makes SFI-rated overboots for drag racers), but those serve a different purpose – in general circuit racing or rallying, you’ll be looking at the waterproof overshoes we’ve been discussing to handle rain and mud.
Using Overshoes: Tips and Considerations
Before you rush out into the rain with your new overshoes, keep a couple of things in mind. First, most waterproof overshoes are not FIA-approved for use during competition sessions – they’re meant for when you’re out of the car. For instance, the OMP Rain Over Shoe cover has no FIA/SFI homologation, since it’s not fireproof. Always remember to remove overshoes before driving in an official race or anywhere fireproof gear is required. In a track-day or casual setting, some drivers do keep overshoes on for slow laps or transits, but it’s best to use them primarily for paddock, pit lane, service park, or stage recon purposes.
Another tip: fit and sizing. Overshoes should fit snugly so they don’t flop around, but not so tight that they’re a pain to get on. If you’re between sizes, err on the larger side (as we mentioned with the Sparco neoprene overshoes) for easier on/off. A little extra room also accommodates high-top racing boots. It’s a good idea to dry your overshoes out after each use – turn them inside out if they’re muddy and let them air dry, so they’re fresh and ready for the next event. With rubber and silicone overshoes, check the inside for grit before putting them on; you don’t want small stones scratching up your shiny race boots. Lastly, keep in mind that while overshoes have grippy soles, they can still be a bit slick on certain wet metals (like trailer ramps), so always walk with care on extremely slippery surfaces.
Summary: Keeping Your Feet Dry and Your Boots Protected
Waterproof overshoes might not be the flashiest piece of race gear, but ask anyone who’s dealt with drenched feet in the pit lane – they are worth their weight in gold on a rainy day. In this post we’ve looked at the main options: the OMP Waterproof Overshoes (nylon with straps for a secure fit), Sparco’s Slip-On Rubber Overshoes (simple, tough rubber covers), and Sparco’s Neoprene Overshoes (snug, warming boot covers with a rubber sole). Each has its own advantages, from the OMP’s lightweight convenience to the Sparco neoprene’s cozy comfort. All of them will keep your race boots dry, clean, and ready for action when weather conditions are less than ideal. We also highlighted other market options like Pitking’s silicone overshoes, showing that there’s a solution for every preference. By understanding the differences in design and material, you can choose the overshoe that best matches your racing needs. Slip a pair into your kit bag, and you’ll never have to worry about soggy racing boots again – rain or shine, you’ll be prepared to focus on driving while your feet stay warm and dry!